Creative Spotlight: Retta Ritchie-Holbrook

March 2, 2016 Nichole McVeigh

I met Retta Ritchie-Holbrook through Hannah Marcotti's Spirit of Joy a couple years ago. I found I really resonated with many women that took Hannah's course, and keep up with them even now. I'm so grateful Retta is one of those women.

Retta offered a monthly tracker earlier this year, with her artwork at the top. Please check out the link for it! Her art draws me in - both her use of colour and imagery (perhaps because I am drawn to all things "wild") - and I am so excited to introduce you all to her work.

Creative Spotlight: Alistair Whyte

February 17, 2016 Nichole McVeigh

I came across Alistair Whyte's pottery some time ago (I saw the image to follow, actually), and was immediately in love. His pottery feels so peaceful to me.

Alistair's father was a missionary in Vanuatu (South West Bay) over 50 years ago, and after a request from the village, Alistair decided to go back and teach the lost art of pottery - or Nonboi - to people in the villages. He is definitely passionate about his work, and looking for potters interested in travelling to Vanuatu to mentor as well. What an inspiring man...

Creative Spotlight: Lulu Louise

February 3, 2016 Nichole McVeigh

I was introduced to Lulu Louise's products through one of Kristin Sweeting Morelli's online workshops a couple years ago, and finally purchased her Luscious Body Butter last year. It. Is. Amazing. The butter is so creamy, and the scent...it's so real. And it should be, since it's made with all-natural ingredients. Her products would be great for Valentine's Day. Hint, hint. But, this isn't a post simply about Lulu's amazing products.

It's also a post about a woman I find highly inspiring. As you will see, Lulu is passionate about what she does, and she is definitely passionate about living a passion-filled life. I am certain you will love her interview.

A Hedonistic Foodie: Trio of Gingers

October 7, 2015 Nichole McVeigh

Farmgirl Susan's Molasses Ginger Spice Snap Cookies - Ice Cream Sandwiches!

A few weeks ago, I made gingerbread; the soft kind, that is amazing warm with butter. The guys really enjoyed it, and my husband mentioned that it reminded him of Ivin's Spice Wafers he had as a kid. This, of course, made me curious, and sent me on an Internet search for these cookies.

I was not disappointed. In fact, I found two different recipes that referenced Ivin's, and I saved them to try. And, yesterday, I made them (plus an extra recipe that came up in search). While we enjoyed them all, this is what we found:

A Hedonistic Foodie: English Muffins

September 23, 2015 Nichole McVeigh

I. Made. English. Muffins. Yes, each word needs to be stressed on this one. It took three tries, and they still have not reached their full potential, but I did it. Ahhh. Since I decided to do each of The Great British Baking Show challenges, I was bound and determined to successfully complete this English Muffin recipe. While I am a ways off still, I am very much on, and excited to continue experimenting. Good thing I have willing taste-testers here...

The final result is absolutely gorgeous - and delicious - and the guys are asking for them, which is a great sign. Oh, and they are fantastic with egg salad tucked inside. Amazing.